2017 Australia

This year’s 311 offers a nose of citrus, stone fruit, cedar and vanilla – hinting at its time in oak. The palate is bright and lively, with lovely citrus and stone-fruit notes wrapped nicely with a touch of oak and acidity. This is a touch richer than the previous vintage (which only used fruit from Tumbarumba) but shows great balance and acidity. Drink 2019-2025.
Mike Jordan, Private Account Manager

Sophisticated Chardonnay combining refinement, generous flavours and drinkability.  Aged in 50% new and 50% seasoned oak, providing the texture, weight along with subtle toasty oak characters. A beautifully pitched white with pear and white stone fruit on the nose, not overtly ripe, it’s understated and fine. Lively acidity energises the palate and so although there’s plenty of weight here, it’s light on it’s feet throughout. Generous length, rolls on and on. Will appeal to both New World and Burgundy Chardonnay lovers. Drink 2019-2024+
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Sales Manager
 
Orange blossom, white peach and hints of almond are combined with complex toasty oak aroma’s to deliver a bouquet of depth and intrigue.
Beautifully luscious, full bodied and creamy, the aromas on the nose follow through to the palate with opulent white peach, grapefruit and lemon myrtle blending with fine acidity and well-integrated oak.  This is a wine of structure and elegance and will develop gracefully as it ages
Winemakers Note

A personal favourite of mine and the Riesling that opened my eyes to this wonderful grape, it would be easy to get misty eyed and assume this is great. Thankfully, the 2017 lives up to its billing and might be one of the best wines Jeff Grosset has ever made. Taut with vibrant citrus, especially the lime lead character that Clare is famous for, this is ultra-steely and mineral, seeming to go on forever. Sensational stuff. This will benefit from 5 or 6 years in the cellar to open up. Sign me up for at least a case! Drink 2022 to 2030+.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro gives Bin 138 it’s notable Southern Rhône roots. One of the more approachable young wines in Penfolds’ annual release. Bold fruit notes lead into leather, cracked pepper and balsamic, making for a savoury wine that cries out for summer barbecues. The wine’s balance makes it wonderfully quaffable, even in youth. Drink 2020-2028.
Paul Keating, Private Account Manager 

The 389 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and the characteristics of each grape shines through. This is ripe and plummy with swathes of blackcurrants, black cherries and raspberries. The familiar peppery note of Shiraz is balanced well by the menthol note from Cabernet Sauvignon. A savoury note comes through on the palate, giving us a glimpse of Bin 389 with age. Penfolds has managed to create a wine that is elegant in the face of full-bodied varieties. Drink 2020-2030.
Tatiana Humphreys, Private Account Manager

The Shiraz for this is sourced from the North West Barossa floor. The wine spends 12 months in wood, using both American and French oak. This is very rich, with black fruit, forest floor and lovely gamey notes. The oak is apparent here but not overdone. A little time in bottle should help it integrate nicely. Drink 2021-2026.
Mike Jordan, Private Account Manager 

The RWT Bin 798 is comprised of single-region grapes from the Barossa Valley, chosen specifically for its unique and aromatic character. Spiced plum, cardamom, cedar and a zesty blood-orange freshness wisp their way from the glass. A polished mix of blueberry and blackberry fruit glide across the palate, supported by ripe tannins and great precision. This is far from over-extracted and displays great balance and fantastic length. Drink 2021-2038.
Dominic Goddard-John, Private Account Manager

A very elegant wine from Penfolds’ home vineyard. Deep and complex notes of vanilla and dark, spicy fruit are present on the nose. This is rich and creamy on the palate with black and red berry fruit, supplemented by nuances of spicy vanilla oak and leather. Ripe, deep and long on the finish, this promises a great future and will need a few years to show its best. Drink 2022-2040+.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager

Overall, this is a picture perfect Penfolds Shiraz; there are spades of succulent red fruit, supported by generous spice, which gradually unfolds on the palate and is wrapped in a judicious oak frame. It is finished off with an elegant whip of acidity which ensures this is a wine I just want to keep going back to. Hugely drinkable, cellar worthy and just very well put together. Drink now to 2028.
Gary Owen, Private Account Manager 

This 100% Coonawarra Shiraz comes from cooler vineyards which brings a refreshing balance to the overall style of the wine, marrying the sumptuous spicy red fruit with a portion of new French oak. Flavours of mulberry and tapenade on the palate roll across a creamy texture. Ripe tannins are present but build gradually, while a vibrant acidity holds everything neatly together. Sufficiently structured for the next decade. Drink 2021-2030.
Chris Lamb, Private Account Manager